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A 95-year-old Jerusalem native has become the oldest reservist in the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).<\/p>\n
Drafted into the reserves, Ezra Yachin’s mission goes beyond the traditional duties of a soldier \u2013 he has been enlisted to boost morale among the troops by sharing his incredible life story, filled with resilience, hope, and the indomitable spirit that helped shape Israel.<\/p>\n
Born in the tumultuous times of pre-independence Jerusalem, Yachin’s early years were marked by riots and unsettling scenes. Despite the challenges, he, along with his friends, played an instrumental role in the foundation of their nation.<\/p>\n
Now, at the age of 95, his message to the soldiers he meets is simple: “Don’t give up, not even now.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Hamas wants ‘US prisoners released’ in exchange for Israeli hostages<\/strong><\/p>\n His mission comes as the latest Israel-Palestinian war reverberated around the world on Tuesday, as foreign governments tried to determine how many of their citizens were dead, missing or in need of medical help or flights home.<\/p>\n Numerous countries have also offered to play a role in mediating an end to the fighting, which already has killed at least 1,800 people. The death toll was expected to grow as Israel pummelled the Gaza Strip with airstrikes and sent Palestinians fleeing into UN shelters.<\/p>\n An official at the International Committee of the Red Cross says his organisation has been in touch with both Hamas and Israeli officials about accessing prisoners, but so far have had no access to them.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Fabrizio Carboni, the regional director for the Near and Middle East for the ICRC, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that included the Israelis taken hostage by Hamas during their unprecedented incursion into Israel from the Gaza Strip.<\/p>\n “The level of violence is still very high but we\u2019ve asked for access,” Carboni said from Geneva.<\/p>\n “We ask also for the civilians who have been captured to have an opportunity to communicate with their family, to tell them that they are safe and well. We also ask that some people who have nothing to do in prison or shouldn’t be captured to be released.”<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n
Hamas terrorists ‘slaughtered 40 babies and children with some beheaded'[INSIGHT] <\/strong>
The long peace enjoyed since 1945 is over – hot wars are back with a vengeance[ANALYSIS] <\/strong>
Hamas will not negotiate with Israel over hostages during conflict[VIDEO] <\/strong><\/p>\n